A ROYAL SCANDAL

KARLIAH POV

*sighs softly*

She tied two ribbons in my hair gently.

Her loving nature always made others adore her, and I one day hoped to grow up to be just like her because she was my role model.

"Mom, how did you become this way?"

She stopped braiding my thick locks and stared at me keenly.

"What do you mean, dear?"

*Sighs softly*

"You're strong, brave, caring, and you always put others' needs before your own."

She looked fascinated.

"Those are deep thoughts for a little girl like you."

"Well, I'll tell you since you asked."

"Karliah, I was never born this way, and in fact, where I grew up, we didn't have enough money to buy all these luxurious things you have in your generation."

"We had one meal per day, and I went to public government school, but my parents always made sure to teach me the right values and manners."

"We never had any electricity or hot water back then, and we lived in a two-room house in a rural area, but that never stopped me from dreaming big."

"I studied hard during primary and secondary school, earning myself a scholarship to study in New York, and that's where I met your father, Jake."

"Having very little taught me to be grateful for every little thing I received, and being nice to others taught me that your loved ones are your greatest strength."

"It might sound strange now since you're still a child, but one day you'll remember my saying, and it will make sense to you."

END OF FLASHBACK

She was my rock and my protector, and her memories only brought back the pain I was trying to forget.

I wiped my tears away.

I felt someone's presence behind me when I turned around. It was Dylan.

"Hey, you're back. How was school?"

He sighed deeply.

"You were crying."

I shook my head negatively.

"No, I wasn't. I'm just happy to see you."

"It's because of them, right?" he demanded angrily.

I glanced at the clock and realized that it was still early for him to be back home.

"Dylan."

"You're supposed to be in class."

He snorted in response and took a seat, taking a bite of his apple.

"That school won't teach me anything, Karliah, and you of all people should know that."

I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath, trying to calm myself.

"Dylan, we've had this conversation multiple times, and I really don't want to repeat myself."

His eyes met mine intensely.

"And my answer has always been the same, Karliah. You should know by now that it won't change."

"Besides, you're the one afraid of those people. You're acting like they're holding something over you, and it's like you're constantly trying to hide something from me."

He stood up.

"What is it, Karliah?"

"It's nothing serious; just forget about it."

He looked hurt.

"Is it because of my medication?"

I remained silent.

"Karliah, forget about that shit. Besides, I don't need it anymore, and I'm better off without it."

"Do you even realize what you're saying?"

"Without your medication, you would die, Dylan, and I don't want to lose you."

"We just have to endure this for a little while, and everything is going to be okay."

"I hate it here!"

Dylan stormed out of the kitchen, and I broke down crying.

"I tried but yet failed again, Mom and Dad. I wish you were here…"

"He's gone," a voice said behind me, and when I turned around, it was Era.

"He's just angry, but he'll eventually calm down."

Era nodded quietly.

I was about to walk out of the kitchen, but her words stopped me.

"You know that he's right."

I turned around, facing her.

"I overheard your conversation with Dylan. He's right, Karliah. Why can't you just take that chance?"

"Staying here won't do you any good at all, and you'll never have a life."

"What are you trying to say?"

"I want you to steal from my mother. I know where all her money is kept, and I can help you, Karliah."

"You want me to steal so that I can end up in jail? Then I'll end up in jail for a petty crime; then who's going to take care of my brother? He's the only family I have."

Upon hearing this, Era looked disappointed.

She grasped my hand slowly, giving it a light squeeze.

"My mother and Elite might mistreat you and Dylan, but I'll be your family, and you should never forget that."

That night, I went to bed pondering Era's words. This plan came with some risks of its own, and I didn't want to take that kind of risk.

A few hours later, I drifted off to sleep but later woke up when I heard my phone vibrating on the table. I let out a yawn and rubbed my eyes in my sleepy state.

I got out of bed and answered the call. It was 1 a.m. in the morning.

"Hello."

"Karliah."

"I need your help."

I was still stunned.

"Dylan?"

He was calling from an unknown number.

"Where are you calling from?"

I could hear a lot of noise in the background.

"Dylan?"

"Please talk to me."

I was getting anxious.

"Karliah, I'm in jail. Please come bail me out."

"Jail?"

"What the heck did you do?!"

"Karliah, there's no time to explain. Just get me out of here. I don't like this place."

"Then you should have thought of the consequences before you did anything stupid."

"Stay put. I'll come get you, but Aunt Lucinda won't be happy to hear about this."

I hung up and put on a pair of jeans and a sweater. I grabbed the little money I had and stashed it in my purse. I just hoped that it was enough.

I rushed downstairs and sneaked out of the house, careful not to wake up Aunt Lucinda or Era.

Once I was outside, I felt more relieved, but it wasn't over yet because I still had to get Dylan out of jail.